Menopause – a neglected public health issue

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EDUCAST, the Australian Embassy hosted a public seminar, Menopause to Meno-peak, in Kathmandu with high profile advocates including singer and philanthropist, Ani Choying Drolma, and Australian mountaineer, Allie Pepper, to raise awareness about menopause. Australia Awards alum and Tribhuvan University’s Lecturer of Sociology, Dr Neeti Aryal Khanal, and President of the Himalayan Dialogues, Dr Sunoor Verma, joined the panel discussion which was attended by government, diplomatic, civil society, media and members of the public.

Introducing the event, Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, HE Felicity Volk said the embassy had organised the seminar to draw attention to issues relating to menopause and perimenopause, including women’s health and wellbeing, access to comprehensive and individualized health care and workplace supports. She said, “In Nepal, as in Australia, there is very little public discussion of menopause even though half our populations experience its symptoms. Menopause is a natural process, but there is a paucity of research and informed medical support. Further, the stigma that attaches to women at this stage of their lives impacts their professional lives and mental health. “That’s why I’m so pleased to see role models like Ani Choying and Allie Pepper opening up public conversations and demonstrating that women at all stages of their lives are powerful, inspiring and have so much to contribute to their communities.”

Renowned mountaineer Allie Pepper said she hoped her campaign, Respect above the Clouds, a challenge to climb all 14 peaks without supplemental oxygen in under three years, would be an inspiration to other women experiencing menopause. Pepper said, “When I suffered severe and debilitating menopause symptoms I was unable to get help from my doctor. My symptoms included depression, night sweats, insomnia and brain fog. The symptoms affected my career, my relationship and my mountaineering aspirations. It took me months to find a doctor educated in menopause. When I found the right treatment it gave me my life back. There is a negative stigma attached to women at this time in their life. We must talk more about menopause in our society and acknowledge how it affects women in all aspects of their life.”